A five goal opening half from Cale Hooker has laid the platform for Essendon’s 70-point win over Port Adelaide.

Hooker was the dominant player on the ground in a blistering first half from the Bombers.

He had three goals in the first quarter and added two before the main break, as the Dons charged to a 52 point lead at the main break.

The Crichton Medal winner finished with a career best five goals from his 17 disposals and nine marks on the back of an edge in territory that saw the Bombers drive the ball inside 50 67 times compared to the Powers' 51.

“We had a big focus on our midfield this week with getting the ball in and giving our forwards a chance and it certainly made a big difference," Hooker said.

"We got a lot of chances and a lot of good looks at it and we were fortunate enough to make the most of it.

"We've been working really hard as a forward line group and we've been quite settled which I think makes a big difference.

"We're building because we know how dangerous we can be and hopefully we can cause a fair few headaches for opposition sides in the weeks to come."

Since his move forward midway through 2015, Hooker has kicked 43 goals from 21 games.

This season he has booted 23 goals alongside fellow key forward Joe Daniher who has kicked 34 goals.

"I'm just looking to play my role for the team, I work with the other guys down there and we're certainly building as a team," he said.

“I'm enjoying the challenge of being a forward and it was nice to get on the end of a few tonight."

The win sees the Bombers move into the top eight heading into their mid-season break.

“I think it was pretty important with the stage of the season heading into a break to put in a really good performance," Hooker said.

"It sets up our back half of the year, now we can have a couple of days off - rest and relax - and be ready to attack the second half of the year."